Self-propelled ground working and clearing machine



Oct. 19, 1954 M. s. DENTON 2,691,927

SELF-PROPELLED GROUNDWORKING AND CLEARING MACHINE Filed Dec. 24, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATI'ORNEYS Oct. 19, 1954 M. G. DENTON 2,691,927

SELF-PROPELLED GROUNDWORKING AND CLEARING MACHINE Filed Dec. 24, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 7/ INVENTOR.

flarz'azz 63am,

Oct. 19, 1954 M. G. DENTON 2,691,927

SELF-PROPELLED GROUNDWORKING AND CLEARING MACHINE Filed Dec. 24, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. M77? 6. Weak/0 M'. G. DENTON 2,691,927

SELF-PROPELLED GROUNDWORKING AND CLEARING MACHINE Oct. 19, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 24, 1948 a 4 6mm w y w w W Z Z z T m M M 7 5 r 9 fl\% IV ll e 0 1 ,0 0 J) I W w m 41 A k w 7 x M a1 j w :7

M. G. DENTON 2,691,927

SELF-PROPELLED GROUNDWORKING AND CLEARING MACHINE Oct. 19, 1954 '6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 24, 1948 rags a w Z I I w M ,r f .M. G V WY B I W2 4 J M. G. DENTON 2,691,927 SELF-PROPELLED GROUNDWORKING AND CLEARING MACHINE Oct. 19, 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Dec. 24, 1948 ATTORNEY$ Patented Oct. 19, 1954 SELF-PROPELLEUGROUND WORKINGIAND .1v

CLEARING MACHINE Marion: Ga Benton, AuburndalatFla; Application December 24, 1948,2Se'rial No."67,681.

26 Claims.

1 This invention relates working and; clearing machines.

to self-propelled-ground More particu- I larly it relates to a self-propelled machine-useful for either working'or clearing-or for a combined operation.

In myapplication, Serial No. '64-9,309,--filed'- February 21, 1946, now PatentiNop2,57'4;468;}I

have described and claimed a ground workingmachine for the purpose of cutting or'choppi'ng sticks; weeds, brush and the-like'and scarifying' the earth, at the same time intermixing-the chopped. up vegetation with the earth thus stirred up; The application utilizes a plurality of rolling ground-engaging elements which are adapted-for adjustment'to suit conditions and to be'drawn by a separate'vehicle, such'as a tractor.

While the system disclosed in the above application has the advantage of providing a device WhlChCall be used with existing types of draft vehicles, "it

offers the disadvantage of requiring two separateunits to perform a function which can b carried out by a single unit. In that construction the wear occasioned on the ground-engaging ele-' ments ofthe draft vehicle, for example-the:-

treadsxof a tractor, represents a totalloss causing a single unit.

The main object of this invention is, therefore," to provide a self-propelled unit in iwhich'the tractive effort exerted betweentheground'andi the ground-engaging, blades performs useful.

work. Whereas in a unit to 'bedrawnbya machine such as a tractor orthe like, any slippage betweerrthe tractor trackand'the ground represents a loss in power and effort, a combination; such as I now contemplate utilizes this slippage.

to assist the action of'thecutting and'stirring bladeswith consequent economy in use of fueland in wear-and-tear on the machine;

Another object of the invention is to provide a self-propelled .unit in which the tractive effort.

may be carried out electrically,.mechanicallyior hydraulically with versatility and freedom of choice of various combinations, such as are possible with units of the invention.

Another object of the invention is to provide a machine in which the expense of a separate draft vehicle is avoided and the wear occasioned I by engagement between the-earth. and the driv.-. ing elements is confined to those elements which are actually performing useful work in breaking .l

up vegetation or stirring upnthe ground, or in the simultaneous accomplishment of the. two purposes.

Still" anotherobjecti'on'" of; the invention-is to provide a unitary'construction inwhich'the' pro' pelling' element is carried by'th'e" groundr-gngag ing'elementsor'trail's behind"it','as a simple'mobile '1' control unit adapted to carry the operator; and the controlling mechanism only, for theground-i" clearingelements."

Numerous other objectsof'the j invention "will 1 appear from'th'e following description when it is read' in conjunction witlrthe'drawingsin which;

Figure" 1 is a plan view,"'par.tlyin sectionpof a self prope'lled unit embodying the invention "and 'where'the driving and'contro'llingmeans is'carri'e'd' ft by the ground engaging elements, and theele' ments 'aredisposed in echelon;

Figure la is "a diagram of :Fig. 511 with the" two": ground-engagingelements{inclined to eachiother Figure'2 is a diagrammatic'viewofa modified form of the apparatus shown in'Figl-l;

Figural is 'a plan viewof"a modification in; which the'ground-engaging' elements are driven hydraulically" fr'om'"a cdntr'ollunit which "trails behind: the ground 'engaging elements Figurez' i is a view of-a modification; showingxv conical"ground engaging"elements, andin which a hydraulic drive and control is utilized, and the? hydraulic pump 'an'dc'ontrol mechanismiis carried by'a small trailer unit which Zrolls'behind" the ground engagingelements;

Fig'ure'5 is 'a planwiew'of "a modification in a which conical ground-engaging elements are uti-" lized and the driving andicont'rol' functions'are carried out electrically"througha motor-.genera-. tor'arrangeme'nt 'also'carried' on a traileituniti Figure 6 is :adiagrammatic view of a modificationwhere the ground engaging elements are actuated andcontrolled hydraulically "fro'mia con-t trol-unit, which rolls over the ground,'but is dis posed between; the two ground-engaging elements;'"

Figure? is a diagrammatic ;view' of a hydrauli-l callydriven' and control element employing a multiplicity :of ground-"engaging elements disposed in echelon and each havingvitsownpropelling mechanism, the. control unit,"v here again, being ,a' separate mobile unit rolling behind, the groundengaging elements;

Figure 8 is a sectional viewloflo'ne typefof a two-"way hydraulic control valve suitable .for use with theinvention; and L Figure 9 is a side" elevation .of the mechanism. of Fig. 4, showing. one type. of self-propelled ground-breaking unit havinga control .iinittraile ing behind it." I

Referringffirstt toaFig l, reference; characters II and J2 Ldesignate-v..two cylindricali ground engaging rolling elements or drums carrying 3 either longitudinal, helically arranged or inclined blades on their peripheries. By way of example only, the blades are shown as being parallel to the axes of the elements and are designated i3. Drum H, for example, carries a shaft l4 which is journaled in bearings l5 and 16 carried by the two ends of a rectangular frame ll. One end of the element ll carries a ring gear !8 adapted to be driven through a pinion [9 carried on a shaft driven through beveled gears 2i and 22, which latter are driven through a shaft 23, a differential 24, a transmission and a clutch 26, connected to engine 21. The engine, the clutch and the transmission may be carried on the frame of either of the elements H or 12, and the operators position is designated diagrammatically as 28 and supported on frame i1. It includes a seat 29, a clutch 26, and transmission, clutch, and engine control elements designated generally by reference character 30. terposed between the differential 24 and the shaft 23 is a brake 3!, whereby the movement of the element Il may be controlled by the operator on the unit 28.

The element E2 is somewhat similar to element H but carries a ring gear 32 driven through pinion 33, bevel gears 34 and 35, universal joints 36 and 31 connected by shaft 38, and brake 39 carried by a shaft 40 connecting the differential 24 with the universal joint 31. The unit E2 includes the frame 4| in which supporting shaft 42 is journaled. The frames 1'! and 4! are connected by strut or pivoted link means 9, which allows relative inclination between the frames in the horizontal direction but prevents relative overturning movements of the respective frames about their respective axes.

As shown in Fig. 1, the axes of the two units II and I2 are shown as parallel, but they can be inclined with respect to each other, as shown in Fig. 1a, by actuation of the chain 43 through sprocket 44 and adjusting handle 44 together with suitable locking means associated with the sprocket. The two ends of the chain are rigidly connected to the frame 4!, as at 45 and 46, and pass around the guide rollers 41 and 48 on the corners of frame ll. As will be understood, this adjustment of the inclination between the two elements II and [2 may be carried out when the unit is stationary or when the unit is in motion. It is possible, because of the presence of universal joints 36 and 3'7, and permits a variety of different modes of action when the unit is in motion and the disposition of the elements in echelon facilitates accurate steering control.

The operation of the mechanism shown in Fig. 1 will be understood from the past description, but will be reviewed briefly for clarity. With the adjustment of the chain 43 carried out as desired, and with the clutch 26 disengaged, the operator starts the engine 21, seats himself at 29, and then after selecting the proper gear 25, engages the clutch whereupon the unit is propelled forward by direct action between the drive shaft 23 to the ring gear I8 of unit II, and through universal joints 36 and 3'! and shaft 38 to the ring gear 32 on unit [2. The blades I3 engage and tear up the ground, and cut and chop any vegetation which stands above the surface of the ground. The amount of this cutting and breaking action is determined not only by the amount of power applied but also by the angularity between the blades on the two units I l and [2. It is possible for the operator during the forward motion of the vehicle to steer the unit by con- In- I trolling the brakes 3] and 39, that is, loosening one and tightening the other or vice versa. The universal joints 36 and 3! permit the drive to be carried out in spite of unevenness of. the ground or in spite of the engagement of the unit with obstacles on the surface of the ground. Consequently, all of the power applied to the blades I3 is utilized effectively and efficiently in cutting and chopping trees, weeds and other vegetation, in breaking up the ground and in mixing and stirring the broken pieces of vegetation into the ground so broken.

The method of drive illustrated is one of known form where a differential is included. Obviously, equivalent forms of drive may be substituted including those wherein the differential is omitted.

It will be understood that the transmission 25 and other driving and control elements are of well-known construction and, since their details do not constitute a part of the present invention, they are described in general terms only.

Figure 2 shows a form of the invention generally similar to that shown in Fig. 1 except that the parts of the mechanism are driven and controlled hydraulically instead of mechanically. Referring now to Fig. 2, reference characters 50 and 5| represent, respectively, ground-engaging elements carried by movable frames as in the device of Fig. 1, the frame for element 50 being designated 52 and that for element 5|, being designated 53.

The mechanism shown in Fig. 2 is designed to provide complete hydraulic control, for steering purposes, for propulsion purposes, and for changing the angularity of the elements, and while the mechanism employed may take various forms, representative parts are indicated in this view, as will be pointed out. The frame 53' carries a platform 54 which may support not only the operator of the device, but also an internal combustion engine 55 driving hydraulic pump 56 which, through suitable piping and control valves, causes operation of the elements 50 and 5| through fluid motors 51 and 58, respectively. The element 50, for example, has a shaft 59 which is supported at one end in a bearing 65 which is fixed on the frame 52. The other end of the shaft 59 is supported in a bearing El and a driving connection consisting, for example, of chain and sprockets designated generally as 52, supplies the drive between the shaft of motor 51 and the shaft 59. In practice, of course, the pump 56 will be associated with a suitable type of oil sump or reservoir which is omitted from the drawing for purposes of simplification. The flow of fluid from the pump 56 to the motor 51 is controlled by a valve 63 and, similarly, a valve 64 controls the supply of fluid from the pump to the motor 58 which drives the element 5| through a chain and sprocket arrangement 65 similar to that shown in connection with element 50.

Since controls of this type are well-known, it is sufficient to say that the arrangement is such that fluid under pressure may be supplied by proper positioning of valves 63 and 64 to the turbines 51 and 58 to propel the elements 50 and 5|. Control may be exercised by positioning of the valves 63 and 64 to control the amount of fluid supplied to the fluid turbines. The control means is not shown since it is well-known.

The steering of the unit can be accomplished by varying the relative speeds of the elements 50 and 5! For example, in turning to the left the supply of fluid to motor 57 may be cut 01f or reversed; whilethe;supply-i'ito zmotom tinuedmSimilarly in turningi to th'emright procedure rment-ionedv is reversed "byi-i continuing the supply: offluidito::motor:.-5-1i, and cuttingioffior reversing-the supply to motor 58;

wont-:1

Hydraulicr cylinders 6 6 ianclw 61 to" which: fluid may betsupplied norcfrom which it :mayz' be sdis-i- I charged: through the pipes indicated are; utilized to change the angularity betwe'en 'thei elementsw Fortexamplepthercylinderififi is rigidly-connected to frame'52 as at 68. 1 The piston withincylinder 66, and indicatedrdiagrammatically; is connected through :a chain 69llto azfixed-point'on frame-5 similarly; the: cylinder- 3 l- -is seeured atof-frame i 2 at lll 'andathepistorr within cylinder fil is connectecl toiframe l5a 'as at Hi" When fluid underpressure is supplied to i-these' cylinders BB and- 61 in properly coordin'ated mann'en th'e' -angularity" between the' two-elements 50 and 5l' may be varied- Within. lithe limitss of ltra'v-e'l of those elements=asprovided by the-connections to frames-'52iand 532" Exceptifor the precise mannerrof 'c''ontrol,theop-' erationsof the-device shown 'in Fig= 2 'is similarto thatlwhich has already been describedin con--- nection withFigsl.

Fig-3 shows another type ofhydraulic arrange=- ment differing essentiallylfrom that of- Fig; 2 by" the L-fact: that :the control mechanism, includingthe pump. and .the' engine which drives it, is car-= riedtby. a small trailer' 'lz' which is'flekibl'y con nected; to the frame of the rearrolling'element andris drawn byit as theztwo rolling elements are propelled forward by f the fiuidz motors' supplied Withfluicl. L Inasmuch-asthe structure of-Fig; 3 corresponds essentially toth at'of Fig. 2, the same reference characters-havebeen"employed in the two figures in order: to' --simplify*the description and illustration.

The: advantage of the arrangement shown in Fig. 3 will beapparent in several-ways. For ex-'- ample, where the -control elements I trail behind- I the rolling elements; it not necessary for the rollingelements -to carry the weight ofthecon r trol mechanism nor is it necessary-to encounter the difficulty of balancing-the weightsofthe parts properly; In other vvords,- the rollin'g elements may be dis'posedas convenience dictates-and with out regard to the controllingmechanism on the A trailer. except toprovide the necessary flexible connecti0n-between the 'tra-ile'r and the frame of one rolling element,- and: the-necessary flexible connections in the fluid" lines--which supply "the-- motors andcontrol cylindersof theunit;

So far, it has beeirindicatedin this description that' the ground-engaging elements are of cylindricalcontour but maybeconical with various" arrangements;

One" such arrangement where conicalrolling elements are providedis shown-in Fig.4 of the drawingstill utilizing hydraulic driving and control mechanism-w It may be pointed out that whereas cylindrical elements must be laterally displaced from'one'another', that is, may

be disposed. in echelon;whempositively driven, in order to counteract theirtendency to turn con tinuously'in onedirectiomthis is not true of'conical elements; By arrangingconical-elements in reversed relation, as in Fig. 4, the tendency'of element! to turn to 'the right is overcomeby" the inherent 1 tendency of element 15 to turn to the left. Thus an arrangement of this character permitsplacing one element'directly behind the" other-an'dmakes the'unit move in a straight-linewhen :both elements are drivenat the same speed Referring nowvtosFigL. 4,areference character" 13 designatesta zframe'uunit l constructed to sup port'anda guide ground -engagin'g elements desig-= nated 14' an'd- -7 5; respectively; The element :1 4', for examplepcarries at oneend a pivoted bearing l6 in which-the shaftJ'H'of the element is "jour ment 1 4 rearwardly in similar manner.

As indicated above the element =14 is driven by fluid motor means indicated'84-y and a chain and-sprocket 85; this drive not being disturbed by adjustment of bearing! 8 since the bearingflfi is pivoted-on-the frame; as indicated at -86? The'zrollingelement 15" is mounted: similar *to the :manner: just described and may have its angularityadjustedthrough piston -81; and'is" driven through a turbine 88'. Although the in- I troduction of such relative angularity between' the -elements would tend to turn themachineand' may even be utilized for-steeringthe-ma--- chine; this tendency to.'.turn may be-overcome'by varying the relative drive of the respective elements. 1

Hydraulic fluid. for the motors 84 and 88g-and the cylinders' 8fliandBh-is delivered-from a pump 89 driven by means, such as an engine -90,-carriedby a mobile trailer-unit '9l which is disposed be-' hind the frame :13' and p'ivotallyconnected to it through-a link 92 as shown-in Fig'.- 9. A hy-- draulicscylinder 93' "suppor-tedaby the frame 13 hasxits pistonconnected to link 92 through rod" Throughrthis means and by control of two- Way; valve '35; pressure 'fluid may be =suppiledtoor exhausted from the-cylinder 93 insuch mana nerras to 'vary the' angularposition of the trailer unit iwith: respect to the main ground-clearing unitw The trailer, in addition to the-pump and engine carries a seat flfi for the operator, and the pipingsunder'the control-of valve 9'lyconnected to pipes 82,433, 98 and-99 to operate the mecha-'-- nism'iassociated-with cylinders and 81. Also,

valvelol 'controlsthe supply to anexhaust from pump 89 to the motors 84 and 88 through lines- It..vvill.be clear that-so far as operation is con cerned, the-mechanism of Figr-: is generallysimi lar to. that-of Fig. 3 exceptwthathydraulic means is provided=for varying the relative-position of the trailer-. unit to "that-of the main unit. As in FigiB thevsteering'of theunit is accomplished by controlcof the elements Hand 15 through mo torsila ifand 88.

A.unit/of this type Wherethe power supply' andzcontrolv means is mounted on a rear trailer is especially valuable inclearing and groundwork ingxof orchards Where over-hanging limbs maketthelzuse of high machines impractical; With the machine illustratedthe position of the" trailer can be varied so that the rolling elements carrloperate closeto thetrunk of any tree while the operator on the trailer is at some distance away and out of reach of the limbs of the tree. By exercise of control through cylinder 93 it is possible -to reach places whichwere heretofore inaccessible by machines and could only be culti-' vate'd-byhandr- The many advantages: of the new arrangement are obvious.

It has been pointed out in detail above that mechanism of the type under consideration can be propelled and controlled either mechanically or hydraulically. It is also possible to exercise this drive and control electrically and, in Fig. 5, one form of mechanism for exercising such electrical drive and control is illustrated.

Referring now to Fig. 5, reference characters I04 and I05 designate conical rolling groundengaging elements similar to those of Fig. 4 and carried in a main rectangular frame I06. Here the elements I04 and I05 are driven, respectively, by electric motors I01 and I08 through a chain and sprocket mechanism designated I09 and III). Energy is supplied to the motors I! and I08 from an electric generator I I I carried by a trailer unit II2, the generator being driven by means such as internal combustion engine H3. The output from generator III supplies current to the motor IOI, for example, through a rheostat I I4 connected to wires I I5 and I I5. The amount of current supplied to motor I01 is determined by the position of rheostat arm II'I. Similarly, control of current to motor I08 is accomplished simultaneously over wires H8 and H9 when rheostat arm III is adjusted.

In connection with Fig. 4, it has been pointed out how the angularity of the two rolling elements with respect to the supporting frame may be changed hydraulically. In electric control a similar mechanism is utilized wherein electric solenoids take the place of the hydraulic cylinders of Fig. 4. In Fig. 5, for example, solenoid I is under the control of rheostat I2I over line wires I22 and I23. The core of solenoid I26 may be moved in or out to vary the position of bearing I24. Simultaneously, with adjustment of bearing I24, bearing I is adjusted through solenoid I25, which is supplied with current from rheostat I2I over line wires I21 and I28.

The unit shown in Fig. 5 is steered electrically by means equivalent to those shown in Fig. 4, by varying either the relative angularity of the elements or the drive exercised by the electric motors I67 and I08. A solenoid I2I carried by the rear of frame I06 serves to vary the relative positions of the trailer unit and the groundworking unit. The core of solenoid I2! is connected by rod I28 to a link I29 connecting the rear end of frame I06 with the frame of trailer II2.

Still another feasible arrangement for hydraulic control is that shown in Fig. 6 wherein conical rolling elements I30 and I3I are disposed laterally with respect to each other and having a separate rolling control element disposed between them. This control element comprises the unit I32 carrying anengine I33 and hydraulic pump I34. The pump may supply fluid to a fluid motor I35 to drive the element I3I, control being exercised through a valve I36. Similarly, the element I30 may be driven by a fluid motor I3'I under the control of a valve I39. The angularity between the two elements I30 and I3I may be varied by positioning the pistons I39 and I49 within the cylinders MI and I42. The cylinder I4I is secured to the frame I43 of element I30, and the piston I39 is connected to the frame of mobile unit I32. Similarly, the cylinder I42 is connected to the frame I44 of element I3I, and the piston I is connected to the frame of mobile unit I32. Suitable control of the supply of pressure fluid to the cylinders I40 and MI determines the relative positions of the two elements I30 and I3I.

As shown, the mobile unit I32 is pivotally connected to frame I43 by the link I45, and frame I44 of element I3I is connected to the frame of trailer unit I32 through link I46. For steering the machine a relative condition of operation of the respective elements may be altered, that is, their relative angularity, or, the amount of drive applied to the respective elements, of both. It will be understood that variation in the relative angular position of the two elements I30 and I3! may be reliedupon to steer the unit and to control its line of movement, and that steering may also be accomplished through control of motors I35 and I31. In practice it is preferred for best results to control both the motors I35 and I3! and the cylinders I42 and MI.

In all of the structures so far described, two rolling elements only are employed to clear and break up the ground. It is possible within the purview of the present invention to employ a multiplicity of these elements disposed in echelon and all controlled from a single mobile unit. Such an arrangement is indicated in Fig. 7 wherein a mobile unit I50 carries hydraulic pumping means I5I, an engine I52 to drive it, a control means in the form of valves I53 and I54 for controlling the supply of control fluid to a plurality of fluid motors I55, I56, I51 under the control of valve I53, and fluid motprs I58 and I59 under the control of valve I54. In this way, all of the rolling elements I60, I6I, I62, I63 and I64 are driven individually being held in fixed angular relation by pivoted strut or link means 9 and flexible connecting means such as chains I65, I66 and I6? connected to the respective frames of the rolling elements as indicated in Fig. 7 of the drawing. The valves designated I53 and I54 may be of the type indicated in Fig. 8, this being representative of a type of two-way valve which may be used in the various forms of hydraulic system disclosed and described herein.

The steering of the multiple unit shown in Fig. '7 may be carried out bysuitable control of the right and left hand elements. For example, in turning to the left motors I55, I56 and I51 may be stopped or reversed, while motors I58 and I59 are driven. In turning to the right motors I58 and I59 may be stopped or reversed, and motors I55, I56 and I5I driven. The trailer unit I50 being flexibly connected to the driven elements will trail in appropriate position.

It will be understood that the mechanism shown and described is merely exemplary of a few types of mechanism which may be employed for the purpose intended. Obviously, the specific type of mechanism employed may be varied within wide limits so long as the major purpose of the invention is attained. Machines of the type to which this invention relates are used in a variety of locations and under widely varying circumstances and it is for that reason that the various forms of mechanism have been illustrated so as to point out the flexibility of the scheme and its wide and general application to the clearing and breaking up of land, particularly where it is to be converted from waste land to tilled land.

It is to be understood that in all of the types of mechanism illustrated the power applied is utilized directly in the clearing and breaking of the soil and without loss due to poor traction. Any wear which is occasioned on the groundengaging elements is exhausted by the frictional work expended between the element and the ground and is, therefore, used effectively. Al-

been described and illustrated;- it :is ..tobe .1md.er-

1 stood that ivarious changes and modifications :may bemadewwithin theqscope of ;the appended :z'claimswithout departing, from the spirit and scopeof the invention.

. In each of the-embodiments herein disclosed as exemplary ofv the invention, the machine is complete itself, thatis to say, it is not intended to be. driving-means for. some other machine nor -isrit required to besupplied-with other draft meansforpropelling .it over the ground. Furthermore, in-everyembodiment the frame means =Whether constituted'by a single ,frame containing a plurality, of rolling elements, or of a pluralityof frames, each containing asingle rolling -.--element, but. connectedtoone .or more other 2 frames, is; entirely stable against overturning about the. axes of. therolling element.

- What-is claimed is: 1.-;A self-propelled ground clearing and working machine, comprising a plurality of elongated rolling elements which roll over the ground in ,operation said' rolling elements being provided With ground working blades attached... to ,their outer surfaces andextending substantially in the direction of .the, axes of .the vrolling elements throughout asubstantialpart of their lengths, mmeans .connectingsaid rolling. elements together .in definiterelationship. withone, ofsaid rolling elements located. rearwardly of another whereby saidconnecting. means is entirely dependent upon itself and ,said .rollin elements for support against overturningaround the axes of the rolling elements, .power. producing. means,

.driving meansv for connecting the power producing means with each rolling element at locations ,spacedsmaller distances from the axes ofthe rolling element than the. blades-seas to avoid interference with the-blades in. operation, and,

means foraltering a characteristic; of the relative driving of the rollingelements for. steering-the machine.

2. A self-propelled ground clearing-'and-work- .ingjmachine'comprising a plurality of elongated rolling elements having longitudinally extending power means for propelling said rolling'elements "by applicationof *power directly tothe ends of saidelements beyond the ends of said-blades and exerting its tractive and steering --eifort -solely. through said blades, and drive control means for altering the'drive-applied to the respective rolling elements for steering the machine.

3'; A self-propelled ground clearing and working machine;-comprising, a plurality of elongated rolling :elements having a plurality of ground breaking blades extending substantial"distances longitudinally in the general direction=of the axes of"the respectivejrolling elements and located at angularly spacedpositions around the rolling ele-1 ulTlQIlllS, said blades havin their =flat surfaces arranged substantially radially with respect to the axes-1: ofv the respectiverolling elements, means aiconnectingsaid: rollinglelements to one another andzholding themin' controlled relationship, with individual one. ofsa d te ng e nt lo a e war ly. o another whereby said connecting 'me nsis entircly dependent upon itself a nd said rolling elements for stability against oyerturning'"around theaxes of the rolling elements, power producing :means attached to said rolling elements, power transmitting means interconnecting the power producing means with the rolling elements, and .power transmission control means for varying the application of power to said elements individually .:for steering the machine' i. A selfeprop'elled ground clearing and working machine, comprising a pluralitybf elongated rolling elements having ground breaking blades on their circumferences, said blades extending substantial distances longitudinally in the general direction of theaxes ofthe'respective'rolling elements, and being located'at an ularly spaced positions around therolling elementsand having their flat faces arranged substantially radially, means connecting saidrollin'g elements ,to' one another and holding them in controlled relationship, with the centers. of the rolling elements spaced laterally on opposite sides of the centerof the. machine and with one rolling element located rearwardly of another, said connecting "means being entirely. dependent upon itself ,and said ,rolling elements for ,stability against overturning around the-axes .of the rolling elements, means for producing power for driving' said rolling elements individually, power transmission means connecting the power .me anslwith the rolling ele- .ments, beyond the ends of. the blades so as ,to avoid interference withithwblades as'tl e rolling elements turn,,and means. for controlling and altering-the DQWEI supplied to therespectiverollin elements to :guide .the machine without changing the angle. between thelaxes of the respective rolling elements.

5. A self -propelled ground clearing .and working machine, comprising .aplurality. ofjelgngated rolling elements; having ground. breaking blades on their circumferences, said tblades'i extending substantial distances longitudinally in the general direction of theaxes of the ,respectiverolling elements, and beiriglocated ..at.,.angularly spaced positions around the towns elements, and having their-fiatfaces ,arranged substantially radially, means eonnecting said. rolling elements to one another and holdinglthem in controlled relationship,-with the centers ofthe rolliriselementsspaced laterally .on opposite sides of the center- -.of the n achineand withone of saidrolling ,elements located rearwardly of another,

-.whereby said...connecting means is entirely de- .pendent upon itself, and sidrolling element for stability against .o,vert urni 'ng around the axes'of ;the rolling elements, means for producing power for driving, said rolling' elements individually, power transmission means connecting the" power .pro lucing rn eansiwith therolling' elements closer t0 the respective rolling element axes than the positions of the blades, so as to' avoid interference with the blades as the rolling elements'turn, and means for controlling and altering the power transmission to therespecti'v'e rolling elements to guide themachine without changing the angle between the axes of the respective rolling elements.

6. A self-propelled ground clearing and working machine, comprising a plurality of'elongated rolling :elements having .ground breaking blades on their circumferences arranged angularly spaced apart andextending substantial distances in the directions of the axes of the r p iv rolling' elements, means connecting said rolling: elements to one another and holding the m in co trolled relationship, with the axes of She nd vidual rolling elements located laterally of the center of machine and with one rollin \element located rearwardly of another, whereby said con necting means is entirely dependent upon itself for stability against overturning around the aXBS of the rolling elements, means for adjusting said connecting and holding means of said rolling elements so that the axis of rotation of One roll' n element is inclined with respect to the axis O rotation of the other, means for producing pow 61 for propelling said rolling elements, power trans mission means for transmitting power from the producing means to said rolling elements, and power transmission control means for altering the application of power to the respective rolling elements for steering the machine.

'7. A self-propelled ground clearing and working machine, comprising a plurality of elongated rolling elements having ground breaking blades on their circumferences, extending substantial distances longitudinally thereof, means connecting said elements to one another and holding them in controlled relationship, with the axes oi the individual rolling elements located laterally of the center of machine and with one rolling ele-- ment located rearwardly of another, whereby said. connecting means is entirely dependent upon it self for stability against overturning around the axes of the rolling elements, means for adjust ing said connecting and hold-means of said ole-- ments so that the axis of rotation of one rolling element is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the other, power producing means, means for transmitting power from the power producing means to the rolling elements for pro- 7 pelling the machine, said transmitting means being connected to the ends of the rolling elements so as not to obstruct movement of the blades during rolling of said elements, and means for altering the application of power to the respective rolling elements for controlling the direction of movement of the machine.

8. In an agricultural earth working machine, a plurality of elongated rolling elements having ground-engaging blades located radially spaced from the axes of rotation of said elements, and angularly spaced from each other around the said respective axes of rotation, said blades extending substantial distances in the general direction of the axes of the respective rollin elements, a prime mover transported by said elements and drivingly connected thereto at their endns beyond the ends of the blades for rolling them over the ground, means connecting said rolling elements together in predetermined relative positions and directions, with the centers of said rolling elements located laterally of the center of the machine and with one of said rolling elements located rearwardly of another, whereby said connecting means is entirely dependent upon itself and said rolling elements for stability against overturning around the axes of the rolling elements, the said directions being an-- gularly disposed with respect to the direction in which the machine moves in operation by the joint effect of the plurality of rolling elements, whereby the slippage resulting between the blades and the earth engaged thereby results in useful working of the earth, and means for altering the 12 application of power to the respective rolling elements to steer the machine.

9. A self-propelled ground clearing and working machine, comprising a substantially rectangular frame, a pair of elongated rolling ground-engaging cone-shaped elements journaled in said frame, one behind the other, ground cutting blades on the peripheries of said elements, said blades extending substantial distances in the :general direction of the axes of the respective rolling elements, a common means providin power for driving said elements to simultaneously propel the machine and work the ground by the :action of said cutting blades, means for transmitting the driving power from said power means to said elements, and means for altering the drive of the respective elements to steer the machine.

10. A self-propelled ground clearing and working machine, comprising a substantially rectangular frame, a pair of rolling ground-engaging cone-shaped elements journaled in said frame, one behind the other, ground cuttin blades on the circumstances of said elements,

: angularly spaced apart and extending longitudi- '.nally of said elements, a trailer disposed behind and connected to said frame, a power supply on .said trailer, driving means connected to each of said elements at their end beyond the ends of the blades, means for transmitting a power medium from said power supply on said trailer to the driving means for said elements, and means on .said trailer for altering the supply of power to the respective elements to steer the machine.

11. A self-propelled ground clearing and working machine according to claim 9 and in which the driving means for said elements are mechanical.

12. A self -propelled ground clearing and work- :ing machine, comprising a plurality of elongated lation and extendin substantial distances longitudinally thereof, frame means in which said elements are journaled, a prime mover carried by said frame means and having driving connection with each of said rolling elementsat their ends beyond the ends of the blades, and means for altering said driving connections for actuating said elements selectively to steer said machine, said frame means, due to one of said elements being located rearwardly of another in the echelon arrangement, being entirely dependent upon itself and said rolling element for stability against overturning about the axes of said rolling elements.

13. A self-propelled ground clearing and working machine, comprising a plurality of elongated cylindrical rolling elements connected in echelon, ground cutting blades mounted on the peripheries of said elements, in angularly spaced relation and extending substantial distances longitudinally thereof, frame means in which said elements are journaled, said frame means being entirely dependent upon itself and said rolling element for stability against overturning about the axes of said rolling elements, trailer means connected in rear of said frame means, a prime mover carried by said trailer, power transmitting connections between the trailer and the rolling elements, and means for altering the application of power to the respective elements to steer the machine.

14. A self-propelled ground clearing and working machine, comprising a plurality of elongated av-25914927 l3 14 cylindrical rolling-elementsconnectedxiniechelon, an.aelectricizmotorcforvdrivingaeach. otasaidielegroundcutting .bladeszmountedonzther peripheries z ments", strailen smeans, sconnectedain r-atearzjofzasaid v ofasaidzelem'ents; i-nlangularly spacedwrelationrand oztrame means;- an;electricageneratorgzandndriving aextending i-:.substantial. distances: longitudinally means;itherefommountedaionusaid: trailemmeans, thereof; frame means:in*w7hich said" elementsirare 1 flexible meansxfor supplying acurrentizfrommsaid j'ournaled, .-sald framemeansydue to'lcnezofmsaid -:.'-generatoritoithe-i'motors:l'of'zzsaidaz.elementsmelecelements .beingizlocated'rearwardly of rzanothen in i trio. 1 means-for waryingi the-:angular; :rclatiombewhen echelonarrangementzuabeing's.Jentirelyvrde- .mtweemisaid .trailerarand :said.iframesmeansgselecpendent :uponiitself Kandasaid' rolling-elements. for l 'tric :means; f0r .aalteringi-uthezangular:relationship srstabilitynagainst:overturningxabnutzthelzaxesz of 10 between".a.stheasrollingaielements. and asaidiwframe saids-rolling elements,fhydra-uliclactuating; means means, and; means on'isaid :trailer--fora;controlling :carriedby. said frame means; trailer means :consaid "electric-u means: and; said electricrzmotorsi to mnected: in$=rear1x of :Jsaid .frame means. hydraulic vary" the sdriveiapplied to; the. -rclling::-elements: to

fluid supply means: onsaid trailer, :fluid transmitsteer the machine.

ting'means'between:.saidsupplyameans randt-said' 1185A self-propelled ground clearingtand-workhydraulicmeans,zanclemeansdfors controlling-the wing:machineycomprising a frame'haxzing anplu- Jfluid transmittingzmeans to :vary the-drive: ofzfsaid .rality "of elongated: conical. rolling :elementszjouractuating means individually to steerntheama- -:na-led. therein in arevers'edinelation :touandpinaz-line chine. With one -another; and zsupporting: saidi ufira'me, 5.115. A self-propel-ledground clearin and work /?0l16: -0f:: said rolling elements rb eing;.locateclerearsingamachinegcomprising aipluralityofi elongated war'dly of another wherebyisaidframe isi entirely cylindrical rolling elements connectedgim echelon, 'depe'ndentruponmitselfirandzizsaidarbllingyelements 1.: ground cutting.bladesimoun-ted on thezp'eripheries for stability:against overturning.iaboutt-theaxes of said elements, in.angularlyspacedarelationand -ofusaidrolling elementswsaid .elementsiahaving extending-1 substantial ixdistan'cesilongitudinally =radially=:disposed iiablades.- locatedangularly thereofirframermeans' inewhich said-elements are spaced-relationtabout saidf elements and :extendi j'ournaled, said-frame means; :due. to=onesof-.:said ing substantial distances longitudinally: thereof, elements :being rlocatedirearwardly' ofrranothen in fiuid' 'motor's forid-riving :said elementsJselectively, x. the echelon arrangemenigbeing entirely'clependent wh ydrau'licmeansi for'1varyingfithe: angularityslbeuupsonvitselft andlsaid-wrolling elements for stability 3 tween the axes of said relements; trailer :means magainst overturningFabOutthe 'axesfof -said rolling --zconneoted inarear "ofwsaid frame, a source of hyi=elements; hydraulic actuating means carried-"by draulic:pressure'vfluid on,sa'id' trailer means; flexi- :said frame-means; trailer. means :connectedinrear ble. ,fluid':'supp1y:connectionsbetweenisaid source :1: of i f said.- frame imeansphydraulic fluid supply and said motorsxand 'said hydraulic means-on said means on said-trailer;:fiuid:conductin meansex "frame;andnmeans' onthe trailerimeans for conv: tending between;said supply meansand saidhytrollin :thezapplication" of powerte said-lmotors draulic 1, actuating means, hydraulic means .-for ane tosaidmydra'ulic means tosteerthe machine. wvaryingathe angularsrelation between 'ithe trailer c191 A self propelled ground "clearing and' Work- 1 and the frame ineans; andcontrol'means' Qua-said ing machine; i comp-risinga frame having a pm- 2? "trailer" a-fcr I controlling said: hydraulic actuating -rality or elongated conical? rolling elements '3 ourmeans, said: 'hydraulicnsupply f rmeans;: and :said --=nai1ed therein in reversed relation-to one another, an angular relation :varying m'eans. one i of \said -elem'ents' beingin rear of- "the other f d elements supportingsaid' frame; whereby ring machine, comprising a plurality of elongated d'frame is enti-rely rdependent upon itself and conical i r'ol-lingelem'ents'y. ground: c'utting' i blades aid rolling element for "stability-=a-gainst over- 'mountedgon: the peripheries-of 'saidl elements, in "rtunning'lab'outi:the axe of 'said rolling element, 1 z'angularly spaced relation: andr extending-:w'sud said. element's :ha'ving- -radiallyidisposed blades =10- stantial" distances longitudinally thereof; frame eated in angul'arly spaced rel'ation about said 'imeansin which said elements 'areJjournal'ednne U elements: and ziexte'ndingsubstantial" distances of said rolling-elementsbeing:located rearw'ardly ongitudin'ally it er'eofi fluid motors -for= "driving --of-anothenwhereby said frame meansis' entir'ely aidwlelements: selectively,hydraulic;means" for "I dependent upon itself "and said rolling elements 'drizving said elements-selectively;hydraulicmeans for stability against overturning about the'-axes or; va rying the' angularity'sbetween fsaid elements, ofs said rolling elementsg an electricvmotonfor 5 :trailer me'ans'connectedin rearbf said'framevhydriving each" of: said elements, :trailer 5 means condraulic :means for varying-' :the angulan-rela'tion n'ectedin rear of said framemeansgxanelectric between said- --trailer-mean's and: said ira-me; a =generatoranda'driving means'therefor mounted ource' of =hydraulicpressure fluidon said-trailer x on said trailer means, ='flexib1e; means for'supplymeansffiexible fiuid 'supplymonnections -between ing current from said generator to the-motors of said'trailen means amine hydraulic motors and hasaid elements; and-means on saidt'r'ailer for conhydraulic 1means on said --frame-, -a'nd means '-.0I1 trolling the drive of a said electric motors' to alter th'e" trailer- -means for selectively 'controlling the therapplication of= power to"said' elements indimotors, and the two hydraulic means-tosteer the vidually. to steer the machine. machine.

'17; A-self-prop'elled'ground=clearingand worke, 20. "Aselfpronelledground clearing'an'd-work- -:--ing machine=,comprising a plurality'of elongated ing 'machine, 'comnr'ising a frame' having a-'-plu- 'mco'nical:rolling elements, ground "cutting' blades .srality of elongated: conical rollingelementsjourmounted on the peripheries of saidf-elements; in nal'e'd thereinin reversed relation to-one another fz'angularly zlspaced relation and extending 1 longiand I one :behind the other; and supp oittingsaid "*tu-dinaHy thereoffframelmeansin which said elewr frame;wh'erebyi said-frame is' 'entirely dependent 2 ments'are journaled; one of said rolling elements upon: itself and said rolling element for" stability *vbeing locatcd' rea'rwardly of 'anothen-Whereby-said 'against'overturning iabout n the axes of said foll- T. frame is being entirely 'dependent upon itself and ing element'; said. element's having radially dis- :said rolling elementscfor stabilitysagainst overposed blades locatedin an'g ul'arly spaced-relation turning aboutathevaxes of said rolling elements, 7'5fialcout said i elem'ents and -extending-substantial 16. A self-propelled groundwclearing and-worm distances longitudinally thereof, electric motors for driving said elements, electric means for varying the angularity between the axes of said elements, trailer means connected to the rear of said frame, a source of electric current on said trailer means, flexible electric supply means between said source and the electric motors and the electric means on said frame, and means on the trailer means for controlling said motors and said electric means for steering the machine.

21. A self-propelled ground clearing and working machine, comprising a frame having a plurality of elongated conical rolling elements journaled therein in reversed relation to one another, one of said rolling elements being arranged rearwardly of another, said elements supporting said frame, whereby said frame is entirely dependent upon itself and said rolling element for stability against overturning about the axes of said rolling element, said elements having radially disposed blades located in angularly spaced-relation about said elements and extending substantial distances longitudinally thereof, electric motors for drivin said elements, electric means for varying the angularity between said elements, trailer means connected to the rear of said frame, electric means for varying the angular relation between the trailer means and the frame, a source of electric current on said trailer means, flexible electric supply means between said source and the electric motors and electric mean on said frame, and means on the trailer means for controlling said motors and said electric means for steering the machine.

22. A self-propelled agricultural machine, comprising a plurality of elongated rolling elements having ground engaging blades secured thereto, said blades extending substantial distances in the directions of the axes of the respective elements, being arranged in angularly spaced relation about the axes of said elements, and having their flat faces extending approximately radially with respect to the respective axes, frame means maintaining said elements deployed with the centers of the elements arranged laterally of the center of the machine and with one of said rolling elements rearwardly of another, whereby said frame means is entirely dependent upon itself and said rolling elements for support against overturning around the axes of said rolling elements, power producing means transported by the machine, power transmitting means for transmitting power from said producing means to said rolling elements to turn said elements so that any slippage of said rolling elements with respect to the ground is converted into useful work through said blades engaging the ground, said power transmitting means applying the power to said rolling elements from beyond the ends of said blades, and power transmission control means for altering the power applied to the respective rolling elements for steering the machine.

23. A self-propelled agricultural machine, comprising at least three elongated rolling elements, said rolling elements being provided with ground engaging blades extending substantially radially from the outer surfaces of said elements and extending substantially in the directions of the axes of the respectiverolling elements throughout substantial distances lengthwise of said rolling elements, said blades being spaced apart circumferentially around said rolling elements, individual frame means rotatably mounting each said rolling element, said individual frame means being pivotally connected together and arranged in echelon with at least one of said rollin elements located rearwardly of another and with some of said rolling elements disposed laterally of the central axis of the machine, whereby said frame means are entirely dependent upon themselves and said rolling elements for support against overturning around the axes of said rolling elements, power producing means transported by said machine, driving means connected to at least one of said rolling elements radially inwardly of the blades thereof so as not to interfere with said blades in operation, power transmission means for transmitting power to said driving means, and means for altering a condition of operation of one of said rolling elements located laterally of the central axis of the machine for steering the machine.

24. A self-propelled agricultural machine, comprising a plurality of elongated conical rolling elements, ground-engaging blades secured on said elements and extending axially thereof, said blades being located at angularly spaced positions around said elements, and having their flat faces disposed axially relative to the axes of the respective elements, said blades extending substantial distances along said elements, frame means in which said elements are journaled for rotation, said frame means holding said elements in predetermined relative positions with one of said rolling elements located rearwardly of another and at selected angles relative to each other, power producing means transported by said machine, power transmitting means for transmitting power from said producing means to said elements to cause said elements to roll, means for altering the angles between the axes of said rolling elements to steer the machine, said frame means, by reason of the location of one rolling element rearwardly of another, bein entirely dependent upon itself and said rolling elements for support against overturning around the axes of said rolling elements.

25. A self-propelled agricultural machine, comprising a plurality of elongated conical rolling elements, ground-engaging blades secured on said elements and extending substantial distances axially thereof, said blades being located at angularly spaced positions around said elements and having their flat faces disposed axially relative to the axes of the respective elements, frame means in which said elements are journaled for rotation, said frame means holding said elements in predetermined relative positions with one of said rolling elements located rearwardly of another and at selected angles relative to each other, power producing means carried by said frame means, power transmitting means for transmitting power from said producing means to said elements to cause said elements to roll, means for altering the transmission of power to the respective elements to steer the machine, said frame means, by reason of the location of one rolling element rearwardly of another, bein entirely dependent upon itself and said rolling elements for support against overturning around the axes of said rolling elements.

26. A self-propelled ground clearing and working machine, comprising a plurality of elongated rolling elements having ground breaking blades on their circumferences, said blades extending substantial distances longitudinally in the general direction of the axes of the respective rolling elements, and being located at angularlv spaced positions around the rolling elements, and having their fiat faces arranged substantially radially, means connecting said rolling elements to one another and holding them in controlled relationship, with the centers of the rolling elements spaced laterally on opposite sides of the center of the machine, and with one of said rolling elements located rearwardly of another, whereby said connecting means is entirely dependent upon itself and said rolling elements for stability a ainst overturning around the axes of the rolling elements, means for producing power for driving said rolling elements, power transmission means connecting the power means with the respective rolling elements, and means for controlling and altering the power supplied to the respective rolling elements to guide the machine without changing the angle between the axes of the respective rolling elements.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 747,536 Caton Dec. 22, 1903 828,575 Schilling Aug. 14, 1906 914,453 Pfarrer Mar. 9, 1909 975,305 Wait Nov. 8, 1910 1,043,239 Lee Nov. 5, 1912 Number Number 18 Name Date Squires Apr. 22, 1913 Cook et al Oct. 26, 1915 Black July 4, 1916 Hickman June 26, 1917 Wentworth Aug. 27, 1918 August May 6, 1919 August May 6, 1919 Wentworth Oct. 28, 1919 Austin Feb. 3, 1925 Piekard June 23, 1925 Rowley Apr. 29, 1930 Bagel et a1. Aug. 19, 1930 Geifroy June 2, 1931 McDowall Apr. 12, 1932 Hamshaw Sept. 20, 1932 Suelfiow et a1. Dec. 8, 1936 Hamm Oct. 4, 1938 Ross Dec. 24, 1940 Shaw Oct. 28, 1941 Greiner et al. 1 June 6, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Sweden July 9, 1918 Great Britain Dec. 24, 1918 Sweden June 4, 1926 France Jan. 4. 1929 

